Cheesy Baked Spaghetti is pure comfort food. It has everything that you could want in a quick and easy meal. Loads of meat, tons of cheese, spicy sauce and of course spaghetti. It is a great make ahead meal or freezer meal too.

This cheesy baked spaghetti recipe will become one of your favorite family meals. It is super versatile, delicious and so easy. Plus if you want make ahead meal ideas, this is one to pin and make. It is a different spin on lasagna. This dinner has been around since the 1700’s find out the history of this oven baked dish.

If you’re looking for more easy past recipes, try this Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta, Creamy Shrimp Alfredo or Instant Pot Lasagna.

Why We Love This Recipe

The Spaghetti and cheese bake recipe is full of flavor! Has something that everyone will love and is easily adjustable to make it one of the most popular dinners. It is great for pot lucks and family gatherings too.

• Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry, such easy ingredients…the perfect weeknight meal.
• Family Friendly: Adults and kids alike love this hearty and warm easy baked comfort meal.
• Adaptable: Can make baked spaghetti with cheese with low-carb, meat free, vegetables, etc…
• Makes Great Leftovers: Perfect for lunch or dinner the next day everyone loves this recipe. Wondering if this could be frozen? Yes, it also freezes beautifully.

Ingredient Notes for Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Recipe

• Spaghetti: You can choose any variety that you enjoy – white, wheat, gluten free, etc. Be sure to cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions to al dente.
• Ground Beef: When you add the ground beef to this recipe you can really just use your favorite but here we use a nice 80/20 blend.
• All Purpose Seasoning Blend: Divided. The link with the directions are provided.
• Tomato Sauce: Any canned or jarred sauce.
• Cream Cheese: This should be room temperature so it blends fully.
• Sour Cream: Can use a low fat or fat free version.
• Parmesan cheese and grated cheddar cheese.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

Variations and Substitutions for the Baked Spaghetti

Remember when we said this easy baked pasta recipe is versatile? There are so many different ways to make this recipe perfect for your family. If they love spaghetti, this cheese recipe will be a hit.

• Ground Beef – Try using ground sausage, ground veal or even chicken.
• Sour Cream– A Greek yogurt or cottage cheese is a great replacement for this ingredient.
• Sauce– Spaghetti Sauce homemade or store bought.
• Spices – Italian Seasoning of your choice or make this great one, or just use salt and pepper if you prefer. That is will everyone loves this baked spaghetti it is easy and versatile. Red pepper flakes, cloves of garlic
• Spaghetti Noodles: Add different like spaghetti made with whole wheat, protein noodles or pea noodles, cook al dente. This will really change you spaghetti game or use any pasta shape you like just cook the pasta according to the package directions.

How to Make Southern Baked Spaghetti

These are the basic steps for making pasta casserole. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information. Check Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest for more great Italian inspired recipes.

STEP 1: PREP

First, preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large skillet, add ground beef and season with 1 teaspoon All purpose seasoning blend (photo #1).  Then oven medium heat brown ground beef in a large skillet, until no longer pink.  Break meat into crumbles (photo #1).

STEP 2: SAUCE

Next, add tomato sauce, garlic, remaining teaspoon of All Purpose Seasoning Blend and Italian seasoning; simmer over low heat for 10 minutes (photo #2). Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine onions, cream cheese, sour cream and shredded cheese; set aside (photo #3).

STEP 3: ASSEMBLE

Spray a casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.  Place 1/3 of the cooked spaghetti in the dish; spoon 1/3 of the cheese mixture over the spaghetti mixture (photo #1) and top with 1/3 of the meat sauce mixture into the prepared baking dish (photo #2).  Then repeat these layers two more times. To make two layers you can use half of the spaghetti and half the cheese etc.

STEP 4: BAKE

Finally, place cheese on top (photo #3).  Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.  Remove foil from baked pasta and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until cheesy top is melted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Serve with Cheesy Spaghetti Bake

• Easy Rustic Garlic Bread
• Easy Caesar Salad
• Frozen Lemonade Pie